The Peony

Today I went to the Pykes’ for a wee bit of gardening work. We’re not strapped for cash – far from it – but this extra work has allowed me to contribute my fair share since my return from Edinburgh. The folk trust me and are calling me more often for this kind of work. Of course, I don’t chop down trees in a big lumberjack shirt, but I’m strong enough to dig and hoe…Mrs. Pyke wants me to move a bed of arborescent peonies, as they’re having some work done. I have to move it to the other side of the house, over where’s there’s protection. It’s a delicate job, as the first buds have already appeared, and it’s an old plant, with long, deep roots.I reckon it’ll take me at least two days.